Calling all Car Security Tips/Products
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The RX-8 is missed
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Calling all Car Security Tips/Products
Not sure on the title of this thread, but wanted to throw a couple ideas/stories around. 
Background
There seems to be a flurry of wheel jackings lately in Austin (by flurry, i mean 3 inside of a week...not sure if that constitutes the use of "flurry" but it seems like a lot to me!!). One was a neighbor down the street, one i saw in a parking lot on the way to work, and one was an suv AT work today!
the common theme so far is they were all 20-22", kinda flashy.
side note: we keep both cars garaged at home, and they should be relatively safe at work during the day, but nonetheless it seems worthwhile to explore some security options other than risk avoidance.
i know the thought here...if someone wants your wheels or car bad enough, they'll find a way, but i thought we could have one thread discussing products, past experiences (what worked and what didn't), etc.
AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES
kinda of obvious...dont' leave stuff in your car, garage it if you can, park in well lit areas, etc.
WHEEL LOCKS
so...i do NOT currently have wheel locks on my car since i got aftermarket wheels. through some looking around, they seem to be a deterrent for the amateur thief, but not the pro. i guess that means it's worthwhile...prevents some teenager from coming by and jacking them...but it certainly isn't enough if someone REALLY wants your wheels.
any brands i should look for? are some better/stronger/harder to break than others??
ALARM SYSTEM
oem for me, not even sure if i have the motion sensor (how can i tell??). i think a motion/movement sensor, whatever it's called, would be ideal, so that as soon as someone even jacks it up it'll sound off!
any suggestions on this? i personally don't want anything crazy over the top...but i don't even know where to start with this one...
Background
There seems to be a flurry of wheel jackings lately in Austin (by flurry, i mean 3 inside of a week...not sure if that constitutes the use of "flurry" but it seems like a lot to me!!). One was a neighbor down the street, one i saw in a parking lot on the way to work, and one was an suv AT work today!
the common theme so far is they were all 20-22", kinda flashy. side note: we keep both cars garaged at home, and they should be relatively safe at work during the day, but nonetheless it seems worthwhile to explore some security options other than risk avoidance.
i know the thought here...if someone wants your wheels or car bad enough, they'll find a way, but i thought we could have one thread discussing products, past experiences (what worked and what didn't), etc.
AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES
kinda of obvious...dont' leave stuff in your car, garage it if you can, park in well lit areas, etc.
WHEEL LOCKS
so...i do NOT currently have wheel locks on my car since i got aftermarket wheels. through some looking around, they seem to be a deterrent for the amateur thief, but not the pro. i guess that means it's worthwhile...prevents some teenager from coming by and jacking them...but it certainly isn't enough if someone REALLY wants your wheels.
any brands i should look for? are some better/stronger/harder to break than others??
ALARM SYSTEM
oem for me, not even sure if i have the motion sensor (how can i tell??). i think a motion/movement sensor, whatever it's called, would be ideal, so that as soon as someone even jacks it up it'll sound off!
any suggestions on this? i personally don't want anything crazy over the top...but i don't even know where to start with this one...
I can remove any kind of wheel locks and Im not even "professional", just need a few tools, maybe 10-15 minutes(hey Im not a pro) and I can remove them.
and remember, thief will NOT cared about your locks, they just break them, and breaking it is 100 times easier than "removing" it, trust me on this one.
so wheels locks are more for "looks", just treat it as "better than nothing"
Alarm system, OEM is alright but there are ways to defeat it (I know how), its good enough to deter most people.
as for the motion sensor, you mean "Shock" sensor. 99% of the time its not there, you can install that yourself, its mounted behind the glove box, more like around where the passenger leg is. just look around there, if you don't see a black rectangle shape thing that has a little light on it and turns red if you shake it, then you don't have it.
but again, if they really want your car, its always easier to steal a tow truck and tow your car away than trying to defeat this and that at the scene.
and remember, thief will NOT cared about your locks, they just break them, and breaking it is 100 times easier than "removing" it, trust me on this one.
so wheels locks are more for "looks", just treat it as "better than nothing"
Alarm system, OEM is alright but there are ways to defeat it (I know how), its good enough to deter most people.
as for the motion sensor, you mean "Shock" sensor. 99% of the time its not there, you can install that yourself, its mounted behind the glove box, more like around where the passenger leg is. just look around there, if you don't see a black rectangle shape thing that has a little light on it and turns red if you shake it, then you don't have it.
but again, if they really want your car, its always easier to steal a tow truck and tow your car away than trying to defeat this and that at the scene.
Last edited by nycgps; Apr 4, 2011 at 08:18 PM.
Thread Starter
The RX-8 is missed
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From: Houston, TX
I can remove any kind of wheel locks and Im not even "professional", just need a few tools, maybe 10-15 minutes(hey Im not a pro) and I can remove them.
and remember, thief will NOT cared about your locks, they just break them, and breaking it is 100 times easier than "removing" it, trust me on this one.
so wheels locks are more for "looks", just treat it as "better than nothing"
Alarm system, OEM is alright but there are ways to defeat it (I know how), its good enough to deter most people.
as for the motion sensor, you mean "Shock" sensor. 99% of the time its not there, you can install that yourself, its mounted behind the glove box, more like around where the passenger leg is. just look around there, if you don't see a black rectangle shape thing that has a little light on it and turns red if you shake it, then you don't have it.
but again, if they really want your car, its always easier to steal a tow truck and tow your car away than trying to defeat this and that at the scene.
and remember, thief will NOT cared about your locks, they just break them, and breaking it is 100 times easier than "removing" it, trust me on this one.
so wheels locks are more for "looks", just treat it as "better than nothing"
Alarm system, OEM is alright but there are ways to defeat it (I know how), its good enough to deter most people.
as for the motion sensor, you mean "Shock" sensor. 99% of the time its not there, you can install that yourself, its mounted behind the glove box, more like around where the passenger leg is. just look around there, if you don't see a black rectangle shape thing that has a little light on it and turns red if you shake it, then you don't have it.
but again, if they really want your car, its always easier to steal a tow truck and tow your car away than trying to defeat this and that at the scene.
i think a quality alarm and shock (yes, i meant shock...thank you!) sensor is the best bet. yes it can be disabled, but again, it's one more thing to do, and one more thing for them to worry about!
fortunately, my wheels are expensive or bling enough that i'm too worried about it as much.
Last edited by 2tone; Apr 4, 2011 at 09:51 PM.
good info. like i said, i know if they really want your wheels/car, they'll get it. but obviously just like anything, you can take steps to avoid or minimize the chance. i'm not rushing out to get wheel locks, but it would prevent the average drunk joe or teenager that lost a bet from coming by and swiping something. and say it takes you 10 minutes extra, and it takes a pro an extra 10-30 seconds per wheel...well, that's that much longer they're sitting there trying to get it done......so obviously they won't stop anyone, but they may be a $40-$50 deterrent that's worth it...maybe not
i think a quality alarm and shock (yes, i meant shock...thank you!) sensor is the best bet. yes it can be disabled, but again, it's one more thing to do, and one more thing for them to worry about!
fortunately, my wheels are expensive or bling enough that i'm too worried about it as much.
i think a quality alarm and shock (yes, i meant shock...thank you!) sensor is the best bet. yes it can be disabled, but again, it's one more thing to do, and one more thing for them to worry about!
fortunately, my wheels are expensive or bling enough that i'm too worried about it as much.
cuz its really sensitive and I have to set it 1/2 way (it has a ****) or else its going to go off even if cough next to the car.
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From: Aurora, CO
As far as I know wheel locks would probably take even an amateur less than a minute per.. Dont you either have to just use a hammer to break them or just hammer a nice strong socket thats a little bit smaller than the lug nut onto them and then remove as normal? Its not like they care about your car so whatever method they use they don't have to be careful not to mess things up or strip something. I am guessing most if not all people keep their lug lock keys in their car as well so that would be a 3rd option although not as good for stealth lol.
I guess for the people that don't know how to do it they might see the locks and not bother.
I guess for the people that don't know how to do it they might see the locks and not bother.
Last edited by xexok; Apr 5, 2011 at 01:08 AM.
i would recommend getting an aftermarket alarm, such as the viper 5902 or other similar systems. i have motion sensor [detects movement in the vehicle] and tilt sensor [if the car is jacked up] the alarm will sound and i would know within a 1 mile range. but usually it is much less than that especially in the city where you have to go through walls and floors so the distance is shortened. just remember to get the backup battery or they could just disconnect the main battery and you would never know.
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From: Caput Mundi
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Aurora, CO
i would recommend getting an aftermarket alarm, such as the viper 5902 or other similar systems. i have motion sensor [detects movement in the vehicle] and tilt sensor [if the car is jacked up] the alarm will sound and i would know within a 1 mile range. but usually it is much less than that especially in the city where you have to go through walls and floors so the distance is shortened. just remember to get the backup battery or they could just disconnect the main battery and you would never know.
The viper 5902 always caught my eye, mainly because of the alarm features, i dont care about remote start at all. I am just too scared to be hacking into / letting anyone else hack into my ignition harness and such.
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The RX-8 is missed
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i would recommend getting an aftermarket alarm, such as the viper 5902 or other similar systems. i have motion sensor [detects movement in the vehicle] and tilt sensor [if the car is jacked up] the alarm will sound and i would know within a 1 mile range. but usually it is much less than that especially in the city where you have to go through walls and floors so the distance is shortened. just remember to get the backup battery or they could just disconnect the main battery and you would never know.
our other car (bmw x3) has the interior motion sensor i think, and some kind of shock sensor, i'll have to read up on it to see if WE have it on our car (bought used) and if so how well it works.
motion and tilt sensor is all I have. and an xtra battery in the trunk is something that I also did.
Being in Detroit so much though I have ordered some polycarbonate windows. I hope they won't be too difficult to install. Most of the break-ins around here are crack heads looking for change.
I have the autoexe lugs, they are 7 sided, skinny, and almost impossible for me to get them off my rims when my key busted. (I actually gave up and had Chino mail his key to me). I was pleasantly surprised. Now the oem lock key on the other hand takes 2 mins. Bash a socket on it and turn.
Being in Detroit so much though I have ordered some polycarbonate windows. I hope they won't be too difficult to install. Most of the break-ins around here are crack heads looking for change.
I have the autoexe lugs, they are 7 sided, skinny, and almost impossible for me to get them off my rims when my key busted. (I actually gave up and had Chino mail his key to me). I was pleasantly surprised. Now the oem lock key on the other hand takes 2 mins. Bash a socket on it and turn.
Last edited by Chad D.; Apr 5, 2011 at 08:38 AM.
Japan's Factory has way more security option than in the states.
They have something like what the Viper does, it even tells you if anybody is getting too close to your car for too long and send you an alert.
*sigh*, why can't they offer something like this in the state ...
They have something like what the Viper does, it even tells you if anybody is getting too close to your car for too long and send you an alert.
*sigh*, why can't they offer something like this in the state ...
sweet. i'll look into that. thanks nyc
never would have thought about the need for a back-up battery, but that's a good point! i'm going to look into that viper system. the other thing i'd prefer is to use the oem key fob...never liked the look/feel of aftermarket ones for some reason.
our other car (bmw x3) has the interior motion sensor i think, and some kind of shock sensor, i'll have to read up on it to see if WE have it on our car (bought used) and if so how well it works.
never would have thought about the need for a back-up battery, but that's a good point! i'm going to look into that viper system. the other thing i'd prefer is to use the oem key fob...never liked the look/feel of aftermarket ones for some reason.
our other car (bmw x3) has the interior motion sensor i think, and some kind of shock sensor, i'll have to read up on it to see if WE have it on our car (bought used) and if so how well it works.
dont know why. we found out when a big delivery truck backed up into the driver's side door when my mom was at work, and it didnt make a sound.
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The RX-8 is missed
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what year is it? is SHOULD have both, motion and shock. however, read the manual closely...on my x3, if you press the lock button twice, it disarms the shock sensor...
So I talked to a local shop who does a lot of work around my area and he acutally recommends compuStar over Viper just from the "20 years [he] has been installing". He says he carries all different brands and will install either, but compustar is usually his go to. nonetheless, because I called about a viper install, he stated that the 3303
http://www.viper.com/P-3303V/Viper-3...ecurity-System
was the best way to go since I dont want a remote starter. I guess my only concern is wiring. I dont plan on doing it myself only because I dont know a lick about car alarm installs, but for me I have that "im afraid they will f**k things up" mentality right now. I just think about all the effort I put in wiring my gauges and such, and the amount of care I put into it, and wonder if the shop will do the same. eek!
http://www.viper.com/P-3303V/Viper-3...ecurity-System
was the best way to go since I dont want a remote starter. I guess my only concern is wiring. I dont plan on doing it myself only because I dont know a lick about car alarm installs, but for me I have that "im afraid they will f**k things up" mentality right now. I just think about all the effort I put in wiring my gauges and such, and the amount of care I put into it, and wonder if the shop will do the same. eek!
Thread Starter
The RX-8 is missed
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good info man! let us know what you decide!! that would make me nervous too
found this: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/alarms-viper-vs-compustar-77823/
found this: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/alarms-viper-vs-compustar-77823/
So I talked to a local shop who does a lot of work around my area and he acutally recommends compuStar over Viper just from the "20 years [he] has been installing". He says he carries all different brands and will install either, but compustar is usually his go to. nonetheless, because I called about a viper install, he stated that the 3303
http://www.viper.com/P-3303V/Viper-3...ecurity-System
was the best way to go since I dont want a remote starter. I guess my only concern is wiring. I dont plan on doing it myself only because I dont know a lick about car alarm installs, but for me I have that "im afraid they will f**k things up" mentality right now. I just think about all the effort I put in wiring my gauges and such, and the amount of care I put into it, and wonder if the shop will do the same. eek!
http://www.viper.com/P-3303V/Viper-3...ecurity-System
was the best way to go since I dont want a remote starter. I guess my only concern is wiring. I dont plan on doing it myself only because I dont know a lick about car alarm installs, but for me I have that "im afraid they will f**k things up" mentality right now. I just think about all the effort I put in wiring my gauges and such, and the amount of care I put into it, and wonder if the shop will do the same. eek!
even with the wiring diagram, just way too complicated, but i guess its probably because of the remote start, since he had to figure out how to do the clutch bypass, also install the xpress kit for the valet key, and program the viper brain.in the end, i just had an installer do it. but the first one did not want to touch the remote start option so he only installed the alarm itself. eventually i had the remote start hooked up at a certified shop, and they even had problems, because of the wiring the old installer did. so they re-did the wiring [solder instead of taps] and even hooked up the turbo timer with the remote start. so far i am happy with it.
eventually i will upgrade to the 5902 and cover all the bases with the addons. i dont want to keep adding modules to my current alarm because i feel like too much has been done to the existing brain harness. they even took it out to show me.
my lesson is, always go to an installer that is certified to install that alarm brand, not just some random shop that says "we install aftermarket alarms"
Well to be quite honest, I just purchased the add on shock senor for the car. After spending some time and reading up, it seems thats the best option. Like many have said, the other alarms are nice and flashy, but there are always ways to get around them.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...me.php?cat=362 Best prices that I found. I haven't received it yet but once I do I will be sure to put my experiences up. I know that there are a couple of DIY's but im sure another can't hurt specially since mine will be on a S2 (should be absolutely 0 difference)